Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology (한국환경생태학회지)

Korean Society of Environment and Ecology (한국환경생태학회)
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A Review of Ecological Niche Theory from the Early 1900s to the Present

생태적 지위(Ecological Niche) 이론에 대한 검토 및 제언

  • Koo, Kyung Ah (Korean Environment Institute, Water and Land Research Group, Division for Natural Environment) ;
  • Park, Seon-Uk (Div. of Restoration Strategy, National Institute of Ecology)
  • 구경아 (한국환경연구원 물국토연구본부 자연환경연구실) ;
  • 박선욱 (국립생태원 복원전략실)
  • Received : 2021.04.05
  • Accepted : 2021.07.20
  • Published : 2021.08.31
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Abstract

This study reviewed the change of theory of ecological niche(concepts and definitions) over time to provide a theoretical basis for habitat-related studies of animals and plants. Accordingly, it analyzed and summarized the major discussion trends of ecological niche worldwide in each period from the 1900s to the present. Countries advanced in ecological studies, such as the EU and the USA, have conducted theoretical and empirical studies on the ecological niche since the early 1990s. The concept of the ecological niche was introduced in the early 1900s, developed in the mid-1900s, and advanced from the mid-1900s to the late 1900s. Since the 2000s, the advanced concept has diversified with new developments in technologies and research methods. The factors suggested by theoretical and empirical studies in defining the ecological niche of a species include 1) population dynamics of the target species, 2) all biotic conditions to sustain a population (food relationship and material flow in the food chain), 3) all non-biotic conditions to sustain a population (physical environmental conditions), 4) all direct and indirect interactions between these environmental factors, and 5) response and adaptation mechanisms that include the migratory ability of the target species or genetic diversity and adaptability to change. Unlike such international advancement, there have not been sufficient theoretical, philosophical, and empirical studies of ecological niche in Korea. The concepts and definitions by Greennell, Elton, and Hutchinson were selectively and partially borrowed for empirical studies without full description. Considering that the theory of ecological niche becomes the foundation for habitat-based species conservation and restoration, it is necessary to seek diversification and advancement of theoretical and empirical research and research methods and technological development. It will provide an important foundation for the academic advancement of ecology and for establishing and implementing policies to preserve and restore ecology and biodiversity effectively and successfully in Korea.

본 연구에서는 생태적 지위 이론(개념과 정의)의 시대별 변화를 검토하여 이를 바탕으로 동식물의 서식지 관련 연구에 이론적 토대를 제공하고자 하였다. 이를 위하여 1900년대부터 현재까지 진행되고 있는 국내·외 생태적 지위에 대한 시대별 주요 논의 동향을 검토하고 분석·정리하였다. 생태학이 발달한 미국, 유럽 등에서는 생태적 지위 이론에 대한 이론적, 실증적 연구가 1900년대 초부터 현재까지 지속해서 이루어지고 있다. 특히, 1900년대 초를 생태적 지위 개념이 태동한 시기라고 한다면 1900년대 중반은 개념이 성장한 시기고, 1900년대 중반에서 후반까지는 개념이 고도화된 시기다. 이렇게 고도화된 개념은 2000년대 접어들어 다양한 기술과 연구 방법 및 분야의 발달에 따라 적용 분야에 따라 다양화가 진행되었다. 이러한 논의를 종합하면, 한 종의 생태적 지위를 정의하는데 고려되어야 할 요소는 1) 대상종의 개체군 동태, 2) 개체군을 유지할 수 있는 모든 생물적 환경 조건(먹이망 상의 먹이 관계와 물질 흐름), 3) 개체군을 유지할 수 있는 모든 비생물적 환경 조건(물리적 환경 조건), 4) 대상종과 생물, 비생물 환경 인자와 이들 환경 인자 간의 모든 직·간접적 상호작용, 5) 대상종의 이동 능력이나 유전적 다양성과 변화에 의한 적응력 등을 포함하는 대응 및 적응 메커니즘 등이었다. 국외의 상황과 달리 국내에서는 생태적 지위에 대한 충분한 이론적, 철학적, 실증적 고찰이 이루어지지 않았다. 그린넬, 엘튼, 허친슨에 의해 제시된 개념과 정의가 선택적으로 일부만 소개되거나, 용어에 관한 설명 없이 단순히 차용되고 있었다. 생태적 지위 이론이 서식지 기반의 생물종 보전과 복원을 위한 토대가 된다는 점에서 생태적 지위에 대한 이론적, 실증적 연구와 연구 방법의 다양화와 고도화 그리고 기술적 발전이 추진되어야 할 것이다. 이는 우리나라 생태학 분야의 학문적 발전뿐만 아니라 생태계와 생물다양성의 효과적이고 성공적인 보전 및 복원을 위한 정책 수립과 시행의 중요한 토대를 제공할 것이다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 논문은 한국환경연구원(KEI)의 "국가생물다양성 전략-관리지표-이행평가-실효성평가 통합시스템 구축 방안 연구(과제번호: RE2021-13)"과제에 의하여 연구되었음.

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